Double-throw switch



Oct. y14, 1960. c. L. BUGBEE DUBLE THROW SWITCH Filed Aug. 14, 1928v INVENTR kr/Mu :s L 506555 ATTORNEY.

Patented Oct. 14, 1930 UNITED STATES PATENT @FFICE CHARLES L. BUGBEE, OF WESTMONT, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO COLUMBUS STAMPER, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA DOUBLE-THROW SWITCH Application led August 14, 1928. Serial No. 299,519.

This invention, generally stated, relates to electric switches, and has more especial relation to the type known as a double-throw electrical switch.

1n a double-throw electrical switch it is necessary that at certain periods the operating lever be positively maintained in neutral position so that accidental flow of current through either knife blade is reduced to a minimum.

While heretofore so-called center stops for double throw electrical switches have been devised, commercially considered, the same have proven either impracticable, inecient, or too costly to manufacture.

One object of the present invention is to overcome the above described disadvantageous features and provide a novel form of construction of double-throw, quick break type of electrical switch of simple, efficient, and comparatively inexpensive structure in which the switch blades are pivoted in a special manner for cooperation with a unique form of center stop.

Other and further objects reside in the provision of general details of construction and in the arrangement and combination of parts for attaining the results sought by the foregoing objects. 4

"With these and other objects in view, the invention consists of the novel construction hereinafter described and finally claimed.

The nature, characteristic features and scope of the invention will be more fully understood from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, and in which:

Fig. 1, is a view in side elevation of a double-throw electrical switch embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a view in section taken upon the line 2 2 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3, is a view in section taken upon the line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

For the purpose of illustrating my invention I have shown in the accompanying drawings one form thereof which is at present preferred by me, since the same has been found in practice to give satisfactory and reliable results, although it is to be understood that the various instrumentalities of which my invention consists can be variously arranged and organized and that my invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and organization of the instrumentalities as herein shown and described.

Referring to the drawings in detail, the reference numeral 1 designates a base of insulating material upon which are secured the switch terminals 2 and 3 which switch terminals are shaped to alterna-tively receive the blade of al double-throw knife switch. Fixed and projected outwardly from the base 1 is a block al of insulating material fixed to which, as by means of a screw 5, is a metallic member to pivotally accommodate the doublethrcw knife switch and comprises a support 6 and a bifurcated part 'l' extended at right angles therefrom. rllhe blade 8 of the double,- throw knife switch has central, pivotal relation at 9 with the bifurcated part 7 of the support G. The lblade 8 is carried by a relatively narrow member 18 of insulating material comprised of an arched outer portion 10 and an inner straight portion 11, the latter being grooved at 12 to accommodate the blade 8. rlhe blade 8 is secured in place by means of screws 13. rthe reference numeral 14 designates an operating handle fixed to member 18. Fixed to each side of the arched member of insulating material 18 is a thin metal plate 15 the outer edge of which is arched' at 16 and the inner edge 17 of which is straight, this arrangement conforming to the configuration of the member 18 and addingto the compactness and appearance of the switch lever. Each plate 15 is provided with a central counter-sink 19 arranged in with the longest axis of the operating handle 14, the purpose of which will presently appear. Fixed to base 1, asl by screws 20, and extended outwardly therefrom at right angles thereto, are spaced, parallel arms 21. These arms 21 at their outer ends are each provided with an inwardly extended boss 22. Each arm and boss is horizontally bored to receive a ball 23 and a coiled spring 24: for impelling the ball inwardly. In the central or neutral position of the switch the countersinks 19 accept the balls 23 and thus inter- .i detents.

2* y, fi

lock the blade 8 against accidental movement. It is to be understood in moving the'switch parts from neutral to either of the operative positions, that the balls trictionally engage or ride over the metal plates 15. The tension of Veach spring 2O may be regulated by a screw 25 arranged upon the same horizontal axis as the springs and bosses. Lock nuts 26 are provided for securing the screws 24 in adjusted position.; A

Having thus described my invention, what j l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is i l. A double-throw switch comprisingA a base, a fixed, bifurcated member extended outwardly from said base, an arcuate oscillating switch lever of insulating material supported at the'center ot oscillation by said biturcated member, a pair of spaced, metallic arcuate plates lixed to said switch lever, each plate being apertured for neutral alignment with thecenterof oscillation of said switch lever, parallel flat arms screwed to and extended outwardly from said base Yand provided at their outer ends rwith inwardly extended bosses each having a bore therein, an end-wise shittable spring-pressed spherical `member y within each bore Jfor engaging said apertures to maintain said lever in neutral position, a screw engaging each of' said plates for adjusting the tension of each or" said springs,

and a lock nut for securing each screw in ad-v justed position. l

2. A double-throw switch comprising a base, avtixed, biurcated member extended outwardly from said base, an arcuate oscillating switch lever of insulating material supported at the center ot oscillation by said bifurcated member, a pair ot spaced, metallic 40 arcuate plates fixed to saidswitch lever, each plate beingapertured for neutral alignment with the center of oscillation ofsaidswitch lever, parallel fiat arms screwed to said base and provided with inwardly extended bosses,

, horizontally arranged spring pressed detente arranged within said bosses for engaging said apertures to maintain said lever in neutral position, and an adjusting 'screw for tightening the tension upon said detents including lock nuts for adjusting said spring vpressed lomis L. BUGBEE. 

